Prime Minister Shehbaz has called for “immediate legal action” to confiscate the properties and assets of human traffickers, saying that groups involved in the crime should be made an example of by “strict legal action”.

He said this while presiding over a review meeting on measures taken against human trafficking in the country, a PM Office Media Wing press release said.

PM Shehbaz appreciated the Federal Investigation Agency’s actions against government officials involved in human trafficking. He also directed that “strict punitive measures” should also be taken against facilitators.

Officials briefed the premier on the measures taken against human trafficking, progress in the legal actions against facilitators, and legislation for the eradication of human trafficking.

The prosecution process against all individuals involved in the “heinous trade should be made more effective,” PM Shehbaz said and added that top lawyers should be appointed for prosecution after consultation with the law ministry.

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He said the Foreign Office should contact relevant countries to expedite the extradition of Pakistanis running human trafficking operations abroad.

He directed that the information ministry, in collaboration with the interior ministry, launch an awareness campaign to educate the people about using only legal channels for overseas employment.

The country should promote technical training institutions that could provide certified professionals to the international market according to modern requirements, he said and added that the screening process for individuals travelling abroad at airports should be made more effective.